Health Ministry Pushing for Bigger Graphic Warnings

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said this September or October it plans to announce a measure pushing to enlarge the size of graphic warning images on cigarette packs.

This is expected to send a stronger message to smokers as the size of the warning images will increase from the current 50% of the package’s exterior to 70%. Currently, the size of the warning photos must cover more than 30% of both sides of cigarette packages with warning text making up an additional 20%.

Korea began requiring tobacco companies to put pictorial warnings on the upper part of both sides of cigarette packs, with the graphic images being changed every 24 months.